Premier Wen Jiabao said that a 15—member Chinese rescue team was already in Japan, where thousands are estimated to have died.

China on Monday expressed condolences to Japan over last week’s catastrophic earthquake and tsunami and said it would provide just over $4.5 million in humanitarian assistance.

Premier Wen Jiabao said that a 15—member Chinese rescue team was already in Japan, where thousands are estimated to have died.

“I want to use today’s opportunity to extend our deep condolences over the lost lives in this disaster and express our sincere sympathy to the Japanese people,” Mr. Wen said at a news conference at the end of China’s annual legislative session.

The 30 million yuan ($4.57 million) in emergency supplies sent by Beijing include 2,000 blankets, 900 tents and 200 emergency lights, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Mr. Wen also recalled the rescue team and relief supplies Japan sent to China after a huge earthquake hit the southwestern province of Sichuan in 2008.